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IPNEWS: The House of Representatives has adjourned its extraordinary session of the 2nd quarter of the first session, which started Thursday, 29 August, to September 19, with an additional one-week extension.
Speaking at the close of the session, House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa commended his colleagues for their selflessness in their work during the special session.
He expressed delight that the budget process, with the involvement of lawmakers and the public, is getting to be more open and transparent, which is good for an improvement in process, stating that as the country looks forward to the 2025 national budget, additional fiscal measures will be instituted by the Legislature to ensure that the process is transparent.
Speaker Cllr. Fonati Koffa, expressed gratitude to his colleagues for their commitment to the citizens of Liberia, stating that members of the House of Representatives have answered the call of the People and ensured that the Country is not held hostage.
He underscored the Legislature’s responsibility to manage the people’s Money wisely, acknowledging the historical complications and challenges in the budget process that require immediate attention.
Speaker Koffa further underlined the importance of accountability and urged the Committee on Ways, Means, and Finance to begin proactive preparations for the 2025 National Budget.
During the period under review, a total of nine bills were passed, five of which were financing instruments, one involving youth empowerment, among others.
With the closing of the extraordinary session, the Legislature will resume its third session on October 15, 2024, to continue to work in the interest of the Republic of Liberia.
Speaker-Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa said whilst on the constituency break, the following lawmakers will steer the affairs of the House in consultation with the leadership. They Include: Representatives Prescilla Cooper of Montserrado County, Thomas Goshua of Grand Bassa County, Jacob Debee of Grand Gedeh County, Nathaniel N. Bahway of Grand Kru County, Nyan Flomo of Nimba County, Foday Fahnbulleh of Bong County, and Julie Fatorma Wiah of Lofa County.
Others are Representatives Ivar K. Jones of Margibi County, P. Mike Jury of Maryland County, Alex Poure of River Gee County, Steve Tequah of River Cess County, Prof. Thomas Romeo Quioh of Sinoe County, Obediah Varney of Bomi County, Luther Collins of Gbarpolu County, and Bintu Massalay of Grand Cape Mount County, respectively.
Earlier the Plenary of both Houses passed the recast budget in the tone of US$738.8 Million.
The decision follows a thorough review by both Chambers Conference Committee, which outlined adjustments made at $6.6 million.
